According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Board of Labor Statistics), the number of Americans aged workers will increase to 34 million in the next decades.
It is predicted that 40 percent of college-educated workers will retire in the coming years, which poses a significant challenge to employers, especially small ones. The gap between qualified workers and available jobs will grow to 35 million as tens of thousands of baby boomers retire in the next four year.
Employers are compelled to concentrate their efforts on attracting and keeping older workers, who can add value to the workforce with their decades of experience and skills.
Easter Seals’ Senior Community Services Employment Program offers assistance to seniors with limited incomes and training in skills and helps them get back into the workforce.
The group recommends several approaches that have been proven to improve employers’ ability to retain and attract older workers.
* When developing recruitment messages, focus on the job and skills required rather than number of years of experience.
* Interview and hire based on qualifications and skill set, not age.
* Set clear expectations of workers and maintain ongoing performance appraisals, including personal and professional development plans.
* Offer opportunities for workers to learn new skills for professional advancement through increased responsibility and special projects.
* Cultivate a supportive workplace that fosters a healthy work-life balance. Flexibility and health programs are important.
* Promote opportunities for older workers to mentor their younger colleagues. As workers age, more people will be able to transfer their skills to younger workers.
Easter Seals has more information about older worker programs. Please visit www.easterseals.com/SCSEP.
